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Overview

Over the last few years, the worldwide consulting market has shown year-on-year increase. The general consulting industry is one of the most mature markets in the professional industry, with a total value of AED 918 billion. The COVID-19 epidemic resulted in an upsurge in people wanting to create their own firms, with a particular concentration on consulting industry entrepreneurs. Many organisations now seek consulting knowledge and direction to map out future strategies and improved business scenarios for their companies, which has resulted in an increase in consultancies demand. They also want to restructure their operations to become more digitally focused, assure business continuity, and invest in new technology

Regardless of the industry in which it operates, every company should examine the possibilities of marketing its activities. Marketing techniques or advertisements may assist them in reaching a larger audience and, as a result, increasing the visibility of their brand in the market. In many circumstances, businesses seek professional marketing assistance from a consulting firm. Apart from the oil and gas industry, consultancy firms have seen significant expansion in Dubai. Such agencies can assist foreign investors who are desperate to gain the attention their business deserves and expand their public reach.

Now, in order to start a consulting business, you must obtain a valid license. To do so, both domestic and international businesses must follow certain laws and regulations in order for the process to run smoothly and efficiently.

Dubai Economy Consultancy License

A Dubai Economy consultancy license is regarded as an individual ownership liability. Individuals can start a civil work firm by registering a tradename with the Dubai Economy and adding shareholders (all professionals). To qualify for a professional consultancy license, investors must submit a verified degree and take the Management Skills Placement Test.

The main advantage of a Dubai Economy consultancy license is that it allows foreigners to possess 100 percent of the company. However, for administrative purposes, a local Agent must be hired for a yearly fee to communicate with the government. Individuals who have registered with Dubai Economy are also eligible to participate in government projects and contracts. The investors have the option of establishing their office anywhere in the UAE and working with UAE and worldwide clients from there.

Why should you think about getting a consultancy license in Dubai?

UAE as a rising hub for entrepreneurs with experience in a variety of fields - including food, hospitality, technology, healthcare, tourism, retail, and more – all of which require the assistance of professional consultants. One of the most popular and in-demand business licenses in the UAE is a consultancy license. In the UAE, you have two alternatives for starting your consultant business:

• Establishment of a corporation on the mainland
• Establishment of a freezone Company

The Department of Economic Development will process your application if you've decided to start a mainland business. A mainland license opens up a world of possibilities for running a business anywhere in the United Arab Emirates and globally. Many of its activities are covered by the consultant license.

If you choose to operate your business in a free zone, you must be aware of the activity and the place where it is carried out. In the United Arab Emirates, there are more than 50 free zones. With a free zone license, you may save money on taxes and customs while maintaining complete control over your business without the requirement for a local service agent.

Consulting Firms in Dubai Offer a Variety of Services

Every company needs a consultant to assist them in establishing their business in Dubai. Advertising, marketing, media & entertainment, finance, human resources, and so on are all examples of consultant businesses. These businesses carry out their goals to be number one while keeping in mind the worth of their clients, advertising budgets, and a clear message. Their services differ based on the type of consulting a firm offers.

Types of Consultancy licenses

If you want to get a consultant license, make sure you apply for the proper one based on the type of business you want to do. In the UAE, there are various sorts of consultancy licenses based on a variety of business operations, as follows:

• Accounting and Finance Consulting
• Business Setup Consulting
• Engineering Consultancy
• Financial Advisory
• HR Services and Manpower Consulting
• Industrial Consulting
• Investment Consulting
• IT Consulting
• Legal Consulting
• Logistics and Shipping Consulting
• Market Research Consulting
• Process and Operations Management Consulting
• Project Management Consulting
• Risk Management and Compliances Consulting
• Sales and Marketing Consultancy
• Strategic Marketing Consulting
• Strategy Building Consultancy

How can I get a consulting business license in Dubai?

The processes to starting a consulting firm are straightforward. The first stage is to explicitly identify the activity that your consultation service will provide. After you've defined the activity, you'll need to acquire a first approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED), which oversees all license-related operations. Apart from that, you must reserve a business name (for which there is a cost) and then submit all essential documentation to DED for approval.

Documents Needed to Get a Consulting Business License in Dubai

• The DED’s application form.
• Passport copies of the owner and partners are required for an expat founding a business (if there are any)
• Depending on the type of consultancy firm, initial clearance from the authorities (municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), National Media Council, etc.) is required.
• If the expat is already on an employment visa, a sponsor's No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign partners is required.
• The shareholder's Unified Number (UID No.) is necessary if they are on a visit visa.
• If the company is an advertising consultancy, it must obtain authorization from the appropriate authorities to display banners, pamphlets, and other promotional materials.

Benefits of opening a consultancy in Dubai

Fast Business Set-up

If all documentation is in order, a consultancy license in Dubai can be granted in as little as a day through UAE Free Zones.

Affordable License Packages

Free Zones' Consultancy License bundle is reasonably priced. To begin your entrepreneurial adventure, a Virtual Consultancy License with no visa packages is available. The options range from single-year visa quota packages to multi-year visa quota packages.

Flexibility in doing Business

Consultancy Licenses provide investors with the flexibility to deal with clients from all over the world, as well as the UAE Government and the local UAE market.

Wide range of Investor Benefits

No share capital is required, 100% foreign ownership, Local Agent Arrangements, 100% profit repatriation, no tax, world-class infrastructure, networking possibilities, and more are all available to investors.

How to Get a Consultancy License in UAE Mainland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a consulting firm in Dubai is a simple process; but, when investigating it, keep an eye out for the advertising guidelines stated in the UAE Official Gazette. They must adhere to the requirements set forth by the KHDA in Dubai, which mandates that all such agencies file their advertisements with the Authority's Regulations and Compliance Commission. The procedure for obtaining a consulting agency license is the same as for any other sort of business. The first step is to create the necessary documentation and follow the process. Step by step process to get a consultancy license in Dubai

Select a business Activity

The first step in obtaining a consultation license in Dubai is to determine the nature of your business. Because the consultation license includes a wide range of business activities in a variety of industries, you must specify the nature of the job you intend to conduct.

Choose a name for your Business

UAE has a set of name conventions that are both rigid and simple. Offensive language, references to well-known institutions, or abbreviations of your name are prohibited, while the entire name may be permitted.

Apply for a license

In Dubai, applying for a consultancy license necessitates special consideration. There are authorised authorities for the mainland and free zones, and the process changes according on the jurisdiction you choose. Working with a business expert is recommended to minimise unwarranted rejections and delays.

Following Steps are required to be followed-

• Fill up the application form and send it to the DED with the above-mentioned documents attested by a public notary.
• If the firm falls under mainland jurisdiction, draught a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the sponsor.
• If the office is taken under a rental arrangement, obtain municipal clearance for the tenancy contract.
• All forms must be signed and dated.
• At any DED branch, provide the owner/partners' passport copies as well as the NOC for expatriate owner/partners (if any).
• Pay at the counter for the license and receive a payment voucher at the same time.

Getting a UAE Free Zone Consultancy License: Step by Step Instructions

• Choose the best business activity, trade name, and free zone package for your company (Visa Quota).
• Choose the appropriate company structure (FZE, FZC).
• Depending on your budget, choose between Flexi and Executive offices.
• Pay the license costs and submit the relevant documentation.
• Apply for a Consultancy License, a Residence Visa, and a Corporate Bank Account.

Why Choose Dhanguard?

Although obtaining a Dubai consulting license is not a difficult process, foreign business owners must have a complete awareness of the procedure and the requisite papers. As a result, it is essential to file your application with the assistance of professional business setup experts such as Dhanguard. The licencing process and its requirements are well-known to our team. Our experts are also knowledgeable about the permitted business activities and can recommend the ones that are most appropriate for your company.